Larry Bird Delivers All-Star Bid for Pacers

Indiana wants the NBA All-Star Game and sent Larry Bird to get it — in an Indy car. Bird drove four blocks down Fifth Avenue in his specially themed car to deliver the Pacers’ bid to host the 2021 game to NBA commissioner Adam Silver, fitting his 6-foot-9 frame into a car usually driven by much shorter people.

Bird, an Indiana native and now the Pacers president, had driven an Indy car only once, during a practice run for his drive Monday. “It’s a little rough ride,” he said. “No suspension or anything, but it’s fun.”

LeBron James Still Uncertain for Season Opener

LeBron James tested his injured left ankle during a portion of practice Sunday, but it’s still not known if he’ll play in Cleveland’s season opener.

James has been slowed since spraining his ankle in practice on Sept. 27. The three-time NBA champion sat out the Cavaliers’ first three exhibition games before making his debut last week against Chicago. He played 30 minutes but may have aggravated his ankle while making a spin move in the loss.

Rodney Hood, Jazz Don’t Come to Agreement on Extension

Rodney Hood and the Utah Jazz will not come to an agreement on a contract extension, barring a last minute change, sources tell The Salt Lake Tribune, clearing the way for Hood to become a restricted free agent next summer.